Russian Troops Near Kostiantynivka in Donetsk as Ukraine Notes Belarus Border Movements

Russian troops are intensifying attacks on Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, according to Ukraine’s top army official. Counter-sabotage measures are ongoing in the city, Syrskyi added. Russian troops are inching towards Kostiantynivka to establish a foothold close to a heavily defended area, the official said.

The DeepState mapping project shows Russian troops control an area around one kilometre from Kostiantynivka's southern outskirts. Small chunks of Kostiantynivka are marked as a grey zone, meaning neither Ukraine nor Russia has full control over them. Kostiantynivka is part of a fortress belt in Ukraine's east defended by the Ukrainian military.

Syrskyi reiterated: 'We are repelling the Russian occupiers' persistent attempts to gain a foothold in the outskirts of Kostiantynivka using infiltration tactics. Russian drones struck Odesa overnight, injuring at least 20 people. The attacks damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten, in the port city.

Russia will implement a temporary ceasefire around Victory Day on 9 May regardless of Ukraine’s response. Zelensky stated his forces observed unusual activity along the Ukraine-Belarus border on the Belarusian side yesterday.

Ukraine is documenting and keeping the situation under control along the border. Zelensky added: 'If necessary, we will react. Ukraine is ready to defend its people and its sovereignty. Ukraine is closely monitoring the situation along the Ukraine-Belarus border and will respond if necessary.

Ukrainian drones are striking oil facilities deep inside Russia. The attacks produce plumes of smoke visible from space and bring toxic rain to Black Sea tourist destinations. Russian troops took control of the village of Myropillia in Ukraine's Sumy region on Saturday, according to the Russian defence ministry.